The Apple Watch Series 10 has quickly become one of the most popular smartwatches, known for its impressive display and sleek design. But how does it compare to the Google Pixel Watch 3, especially when it comes to fitness tracking? While the Apple Watch offers a range of workout options and automatic tracking, its accuracy and ease of data access could be improved. On the other hand, the Pixel Watch 3 stands out for its heart rate tracking accuracy, though it lacks in workout variety and automatic detection features.
In a recent test, I compared both smartwatches during a simple one-mile walk in the busy streets of Dubai to assess their fitness features.
Fitness Tracking Performance: Apple Watch vs. Pixel Watch 3
I started with a straightforward walk to the mall, which revealed a major issue with both devices: neither watch detected my walk automatically after just 0.2 miles. This was especially surprising for the Apple Watch, which usually excels in automatic workout detection. I had to manually start the workout, but I noticed some key differences between the two smartwatches: the Pixel Watch 3 offers just one walking mode, while the Apple Watch Series 10 has both indoor and outdoor walk options. By choosing the indoor walk option on the Apple Watch, I lost GPS route tracking, which the Pixel Watch 3 provided.
Distance Tracking Accuracy: Apple Watch vs. Pixel Watch 3
Throughout the walk, both devices showed discrepancies in distance tracking. The Pixel Watch 3 overestimated the distance, while the Apple Watch Series 10 underestimated it. For example, after walking 1.02 miles (as per my pedometer), the Pixel Watch 3 recorded 1.16 miles, and the Apple Watch Series 10 logged only 0.95 miles. Despite the Apple Watch’s more accurate result in this instance, the Pixel Watch 3’s sensitivity to smaller movements could be the reason behind its overestimation.
Calories Burned: Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Google Pixel Watch 3
When it came to calorie burn estimates, the Pixel Watch 3 calculated I burned 245 calories, while the Apple Watch Series 10 estimated only 100 calories. Given Apple’s rich history of user data, the Apple Watch’s calorie estimate seemed more aligned with my subjective effort.
Heart Rate Tracking: Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Pixel Watch 3
Another area where the Google Pixel Watch 3 excels is heart rate monitoring. It consistently outperforms the Apple Watch in terms of accuracy. On my Dubai walk, the Pixel Watch 3 showed heart rate fluctuations between 90 and 105 bpm, whereas the Apple Watch Series 10 consistently registered 101 bpm. The Pixel Watch 3 measures heart rate every second, while the Apple Watch updates it every five minutes (except during workouts). Neither device, however, matches the precision of a dedicated heart rate monitor.
User Experience: Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Pixel Watch 3
Beyond the core fitness data, there are other notable differences. The Pixel Watch 3’s single workout profile is better suited for switching between indoor and outdoor workouts, while the Apple Watch loses GPS tracking when transitioning from an indoor to an outdoor activity. However, Apple’s user-friendly interface and intuitive data presentation on the Apple Health app are superior to the Fitbit app, which has a more convoluted design and requires navigating multiple menus to access workout data. Additionally, the Fitbit app’s lack of detailed heart rate data and the need to rely on the phone for data access can be inconvenient.
Conclusion: Which Smartwatch is Right for You?
Both the Apple Watch Series 10 and Pixel Watch 3 offer impressive fitness tracking capabilities, but they excel in different areas. If you prioritize accurate heart rate tracking and seamless transitions between workout types, the Pixel Watch 3 is the better choice. On the other hand, if you value user-friendly data presentation, more workout options, and better distance tracking, the Apple Watch Series 10 will meet your needs. However, both devices could improve their automatic workout detection feature.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer heart rate precision or a wider range of fitness tracking features.
